Nearing Medicare

🧭 Step-by-Step Medicare Enrollment Guide

 

1. About 6–8 Months Before Turning 65

Confirm Eligibility

• Verify your eligibility for Medicare through Social Security (you generally qualify if you or your spouse worked and paid Medicare taxes for at least 10 years).

 

2. 3 Months Before Turning 65

Enroll in Medicare Part A and Part B

• You can apply 3 months before your 65th birthday via:

  • ssa.gov/medicare

  • Calling Social Security at 1-800-772-1213

  • Or visiting your local Social Security office.

• If you already receive Social Security benefits, you’ll be automatically enrolled in Part A and Part B; your card will arrive about 3 months before your birthday.

 

3. Provide Your Medicare Information to the Retiree Plan

• Once you receive your red, white, and blue Medicare card, give a copy to your retiree plan administrator or HR department.

 

4. Coordinate Your Effective Dates

• Medicare Part A and Part B generally start on the first day of your birth month (or the prior month if your birthday is on the 1st).

• Make sure your retiree plan doesn’t terminate early or leave a gap—coordinate effective dates carefully.

5. Review Optional Coverage

Call the Administrator for options on Retiree Dental and Vision Coverage

 

6. After Enrollment

• Keep your Medicare card and retiree plan ID card in a safe place.

• Notify your doctors of your new coverage

• Watch for your first Medicare Part B premium deduction (from your Social Security check or billed quarterly if you’re not yet receiving benefits).

 

7. Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Delaying Part B if your retiree plan requires it — this can lead to penalties and loss of coverage.

• Not updating the plan administrator

• Missing the enrollment window — your Initial Enrollment Period is 7 months total (3 months before, your birthday month, and 3 months after).

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